Inclusive Language: Rules for Practice
Inclusive language is a foundational tool for creating equitable, accessible, and respectful learning and creative environments. The words we choose shape who feels seen, valued, and their ability to participate fully. Because language is constantly evolving and context-dependent, these rules are not meant to be rigid, but rather serve as guiding principles to support thoughtful, intentional communication. The list below offers some practical rules of thumb to help educators and artists reduce harm, avoid assumptions, and foster inclusive spaces through everyday language choices.
1. Use people-first language - When talking about somebody with a disability, say students with disabilities instead of disabled students.
2. Follow self-identification - If someone has autism, you use the identification for the disability. You say that the person is Autistic.
3. Avoid assumptions - Not everyone is able to do everything someone else can, so when asking people to do something give options.
4. Describe, don’t define - “The actor uses a wheelchair during the scene rather than being positioned offstage.” In this example the actors abilities are described and utilized in a way that makes them feel seen.
5. Choose specific, accurate terms - When describing someone who has a disability, use terms that are accurate to them.
6. Update language as norms evolve - Overtime language changes and evolves. Staying up to date with those changes is very important in showing how important language can be.
7. Center respect over correctness - Respect all of the people who you are working with. You might get their pronouns wrong, or their abilities wrong but owning up to the mistake and making a noticeable change is more important than it being right.